Guardiola says Real Madrid clash ‘feels like a derby’ | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid ‘feels like a derby’ after the teams were drawn together in the Champions League.

City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League’s play-off round next month, following Friday’s draw. It’s the fourth consecutive campaign the teams have met in the competition’s knockout stages.

The previous encounters have delivered some classic ties, including two unforgettable semi-final showdowns. Last season, Real Madrid beat City on penalties to progress in the last eight on route to winning the Champions League.

Speaking at his pre-Arsenal press conference, Guardiola was asked for his view on drawing the Spanish and European champions again.

“It feels like a derby already,” he said.

“Four years in a row facing Real Madrid. But Bayern or Madrid – both was really tough. Hopefully we can arrive in first leg here, and then at Madrid, as best as possible.”

Guardiola’s side take on Arsenal this weekend in the first of a gruelling run of games. The Spaniard was critical of the scheduling in English football as his team prepare for seven tough fixtures in 24 days.

“We already start in Paris and then face Chelsea, so we are already there in amount of difficult games.

“Schedule is what it is. In Premier League every team has to play everyone. But normally in Premier League they always put toughest schedules for teams in Europe.

“Schedule the most difficult ones because it is tough to play against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, but the problem is in the middle is Newcastle.

“Always they are so kind for the calendar, so many years, always happens in that way.”

Read – Champions League play-off draw – Man City face Real Madrid

See more – Our Champions League Awards from the 2024/25 League Phase

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